Force-Feeding my Shiv Sena MPs: PIL filed in Delhi High Court demanding disqualification and probe

A Public Interest Litigation has reportedly been filed by Maulana Ansar Raza, head of the NGO, Garib Nawaz Foundation through lawyer N.K.. Jha, in the Delhi High Court, seeking a direction to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to disqualify 11 Shiv Sena lawmakers for allegedly force-feeding a Ramadan-observing employee of IRCTC at ‘Maharashtra Sadan’.

The petition seeks initiation of criminal proceedings against the MPs including Sanjay Rout and Rajan Vicharet and their immediate arrest for “provoking religious sentiments against the minority community”. “Forcefully shoving a ‘chapati’ by MPs was a cowardly act as they are representatives of the people and are elected by the people for their service and not for provoking religious sentiments”.

The PIL urged the Central government, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and the Maharashtra Chief Minister to act against the MPs, stating that MPs were elected “by people for their service, not for provoking religious sentiments and dadagiri”.

It also demands a high level probe into the incident.

It has been alleged that Vichare was annoyed with quality of food and reacted by force- feeding Arshad Zubair, Maharashtra Sadan catering supervisor, on July 17 before some television cameras.

Several NSUI activists staged a protest outside the Rail Bhawan in Delhi demanding Vichare's suspension from the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Government has stated that it would respond ‘after ascertaining facts’.

A complaint has also been filed with the Tilak Marg Police Station, seeking registration of an FIR, accusing Sena MP Rajan Vichare “and his accomplices” for allegedly “promoting enmity between religious groups and deliberately acting to outrage religious feelings”.

While complaining to the Police, advocate Imran Ali sought registration of an FIR under Sections 153A (promoting enmity), 295A (deliberate act to insult religious belief) and 298 (intent to wound religious feelings) of the Indian Penal Code.

He alleged that the act of Sena MP Vichare was a “deliberate act” to “grab public attention” and “hurt sentiments and religious feelings of Muslims”. He claimed that the act was “intentional” since the “Shiv Sena claims and has projected itself to be a non-secular party”.

However, the man who was force-fed hasn’t come forward to initiate any action yet.

The plea is likely to be heard on July 30.